Tidal Energy Seawater Desalination System, Power Generation System and Integral Energy Utilization System

ABSTRACT

A tidal energy seawater desalination system wherein a seawater evaporation tower is configured with a vacuum pump which connects with a tidal energy power device, and connects a seawater evaporation tower via pipelines, an output end of the pump connects a steam condensation tower via pipelines; alternatively the evaporation tower comprises a floating barrel and a stationary barrel, the floating barrel connects with the power device, the top of the stationary barrel connecting the steam condensation tower via pipelines; the pipeline introducing the steam into the condensation tower first connects a steam pressure tank, a steam turbine connects the tank via pipelines, the power output shaft of the turbine connects generator sets, and in turn, the turbine connecting the condensation tower via pipelines, such that the system is also a power generation system; on the offshore of which is provided with solar water heater and wind driven generator.

The present application claims the priority of Chinese patentapplication No. 201010162024.9 filed on Apr. 28, 2010. The entiredisclosures thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the system utilizing tidal energy, andmore particularly, to the system which can perform seawaterdesalination, power generation, and also, to system which cancomprehensively utilize energy from tides, wind, and the sun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tidal energy is renewable energy which is clean, environment-friendlyand eco-friendly. And tides rise and fall each day, again and again, andthe energy from tides is inexhaustible or be used without limit. Tidalenergy is the potential energy of water formed by rising and falling ofseawater, which is a relatively stable resource, and suffers scarcelyfrom natural factors such as climates or hydrology. It can generate asteady amount of electricity, without dry years or wet years or beingaffected by wet or dry seasons, without the need of flooding vast farmsto build reservoirs, thus without thorny problems such as populationmigration, flooding farms. Currently, the common tidal power generationwith successful application is to use hydrogenerators to convert thepotential and kinetic energy of seawater into electrical power. However,owing to that a tidal power plants need to be built at a bay with deepwaters and long dams, there are plenty of difficulties in construction,foundation treatment, silting prevention and the like, and civil worksand electromechanical equipments cost highly. Meanwhile, to continuouslygenerate power during all day, two reservoirs are needed for the tidalpower plant, which doubles the works and cost thereof and affects itsdevelopment and the utilization of tidal energy. Furthermore, not allthe sea surfaces are appropriate for building dams to generateelectricity, thereby constricting greatly the availability of tidalenergy. There is another way to utilize tidal energy: at rising andfalling tide, a buoy performs a vertical movement respectively by aheight equal to the difference of tide with its buoyancy when it ishermetic and empty, and with its gravity when it is full with water. Thevertical movements of the buoy are transferred and converted so as togenerate electricity. With a review of various inventions and designswith this principle, there are three types: (1) the buoy drives directlya piston of an air cylinder to press air into a pressure tank, therebyconverting tidal energy into compressed air and store it for powergeneration. However, due to the limitation of the prior fabricationtechnology and cost to an air cylinder with a long stroke and a largediameter, the design has not yet been put into industrial applications.(The difference of a tide ranges from 2 m to 15 m, usually 4˜5 m, whilean air cylinder with a stroke longer than 2 m and a diameter larger than0.4 m is quite hard to make and cost much, and do not adapt toindustrial applications). (2) the buoy drives directly a piston of anhydraulic cylinder to lift sea water up to a reservoir at high location,thereby converting tidal energy into the potential energy of the waterwith high level for power generation. However, due to the limitation ofthe prior fabrication technology and cost to a hydraulic cylinder with along stroke and a large diameter and due to the requirement of buildinga reservoir at high position, the design has not yet been put intoindustrial applications, either. (3) the buoy drives mechanisms likegears, racks to move, thereby converting the tidal energy into torqueforce to drive gear box for power generation. However, due to thelimitation of the prior fabrication technology and cost to a mechanismwith a long stroke and due to that it doesn't involve the energy storagemechanism, the design has not yet been put into industrial applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages inthe prior art, and make a breakthrough in the application of tidalenergy. The overall conception is as follows: at first, utilizing tidalenergy power devices as prime movers to desalinate seawater, thencombining the seawater desalination with generation of electrical powerby tidal power, and further combining wind force and solar energy so asto constitute a three-dimensional energy integral utilization system.Moreover, the present invention further improves the tidal energy powerdevices to realize the industrial application of the tidal energy.According to this conception, the present invention provides a tidalenergy seawater desalination system, characterized in that it comprisesa tidal energy power device, a seawater evaporation tower and a steamcondensation tower, in which the seawater evaporation tower isconfigured with a vacuum pump which connects with a power output shaftof the tidal energy power device such that the tidal energy power deviceis capable of driving the vacuum pump to work, the vacuum pumpconnecting the seawater evaporation tower via pipelines, the output endof the vacuum pump connecting the steam condensation tower viapipelines, and the steam condensation tower connecting a fresh waterreceiver via pipelines. In the tidal energy seawater desalination systemaccording to the present invention, the tidal energy power device drivesthe vacuum pump to suck air in the seawater evaporation tower such thatthere is negative pressure formed in the seawater evaporation tower, inwhich negative pressure, seawater vapors quickly. The vacuum pumpfurther sucks the evaporated steam and delivers it to the steamcondensation tower. Steam in the steam condensation tower is condensedinto fresh water which is received by the fresh water receiver such thatfresh water is one of the main products of the present invention. Theseawater in the seawater evaporation tower, after being evaporatedconsiderably, becomes strong brine which can be used to produce ediblesalt. Accordingly, the present invention further gains a byproduct, i.e.edible salt. The tidal energy seawater desalination system, furthercharacterized in that the seawater evaporation tower is configured witha heating device, which preheats the seawater entering the seawaterevaporation tower. Because the seawater is heated by the heat device, itcan vapor more quickly under negative pressure. The tidal energyseawater desalination system, further characterized in that the tidalenergy power device comprises at least one system unit which comprisesan energy storage component, and further comprises a buoy having a emptycavity, a controlled intake and exhaust valve at its bottom and acontrolled intake and exhaust valve at its top; a ratio lifting system,comprising a buoy bracket connecting with the buoy, a lifting member, aclutch for lifting member, a flexible transmission member, a pulley, atransmission spindle, a lowering member, and a clutch for loweringmember, in which the flexible transmission member detours the pulley andhangs the lifting member and the lowering member at the two sides of thepulley respectively, at the two sides of the buoy bracket is providedwith the clutch for lifting member, by means of which the buoy bracketis connected releasably to the lifting member, and the clutch forlowering member, by means of which the buoy bracket is connectedreleasably to the lifting member, and the lifting member connects theenergy storage component; and a power output shaft associated with theenergy storage component, which is driven by the energy storagecomponent when the latter is falling. The tidal energy seawaterdesalination system controls the engagement between the clutches andtheir corresponding members by means of a control system such as anelectromagnetic control system: at rising tide, shutting both valves ofthe buoy, with the buoy being a hermetic empty, controlling the clutchfor lifting member to engage with the lifting member, and releasing theclutch for lowering member and the lowering member, such that the energystorage component of the tidal energy power device together with thebuoy descends with the rising of tide; at high tide, opening the valvessuch that tide water fills the buoy quickly; at falling tide, shuttingthe valves such that the buoy becomes hermetic and water-filled, andcontrolling the clutch for lifting member to disengage with the liftingmember, and engaging the clutch for lowering member with the loweringmember, the buoy falling under gravity and drawing the lowering memberto move in the direction opposite to the energy storage component, suchthat the energy storage component rises again, and reaches a heighttwice the tide difference, storing potential energy. Finally, the energystorage component falls to drive the power output shaft, thereby thetidal energy gets fully used.

The tidal energy seawater desalination system, further characterized inthat the pulley is a ratchet wheel, the inner ring of which is fixed onthe transmission spindle, and the outer ring of which is detoured by aflexible transmission member which drives the outer ring; thetransmission direction is along the falling direction of the energystorage component; the energy storage component is capable of drivingthe ratchet wheel when it falls. When the energy storage componentascends, the outer ring of the ratchet wheel rotates with the flexibletransmission member while the inner ring thereof does not move. When theenergy storage component descends, the outer ring of the ratchet wheelrotates with the flexible transmission member and drives the inner ringthereof to turn. The inner ring of the ratchet wheel, in turn, drivesthe transmission spindle to work, which spindle then drives the vacuumpump to work. The tidal energy seawater desalination system, furthercharacterized in that the system unit has an offshore platform, on whichis installed with the buoy and the ratio lifting system; the liftingmember connects the energy storage component via the flexible drawingmember, which extends to a position away from the offshore platform anddetours the pulley to hang the energy storage component. With the buoyand the ratio lifting system installed on the offshore, the energystorage component connecting flexibly with the ratio lifting system, andonly the flexible drawing member extending to the place away from theoffshore platform, it is possible to separate the tidal energy storageportion from the seawater desalination portion. Accordingly, the fieldthat the system of the present invention occupies can be selectedflexibly, and it is unnecessary for seawater desalination to workbeneath the sea, hence simplifying significantly the construction andreducing the cost.

The tidal energy seawater desalination system, further characterized inthat the system unit has an offshore platform, on which is installedwith the buoy and the ratio lifting system; the flexible drawing memberextends to a position away from the offshore platform where it detoursthe ratchet wheel to hang the energy storage component; the inner ringof the ratchet wheel is fixed on the transmission spindle, and the outerring thereof is detoured by a flexible transmission member which drivesthe outer ring; the transmission direction of the ratchet wheel is alongthe falling direction of the energy storage component; the energystorage component is capable of driving the ratchet wheel when it falls.

The buoy and the ratio lifting system installed on the offshore, theenergy storage component connecting flexibly with the ratio liftingsystem, and only the flexible drawing member extending to the place awayfrom the offshore platform make it possible to separate the tidal energystorage portion from the seawater desalination portion. Accordingly, thefield that the system of the present invention occupies can be selectedflexibly, and it is unnecessary for seawater desalination to workbeneath the sea, hence simplifying significantly the difficulty ofconstruction and reducing the cost.

The tidal energy seawater desalination system, further characterized inthat the flexible drawing members of the energy storage components of aplurality of system units detour the ratchet wheels and are provided onthe same transmission spindle.

The tidal energy seawater desalination system, further characterized inthat the flexible drawing member extends away from the offshore platformto a position on the land, at which there is formed with a pit beneaththe energy storage component.

According to the aforementioned conception, the present inventionfurther provides a tidal energy seawater desalination system,characterized in that it comprises a tidal energy power device, aseawater evaporation tower and a steam condensation tower, in which theseawater evaporation tower comprises a floating barrel and a stationarybarrel; the floating barrel is capable of moving up and down relative tothe stationary barrel, and between the floating barrel and thestationary barrel is sealed by sealing components; the floating barrelconnects with the power take-off member of the tidal energy powerdevice, such that the tidal energy power device is capable of drive thefloating barrel to move relative to the stationary barrel; the bottom ofthe stationary barrel is used for receiving seawater, while the topthereof connects the steam condensation tower via pipelines; the steamcondensation tower connects a fresh water receiver via pipelines.

The floating barrel is driven by the tidal energy power device such thatthe space between the floating barrel and the stationary barrel varies.If the space becomes greater, there is negative pressure formed, and insuch negative pressure, seawater in the stationary barrel vaporsquickly, then steam is delivered to the steam condensation tower. Thesteam in the steam condensation tower is condensed into fresh waterwhich is in turn received by the fresh water receiver such that freshwater is one of the main products of the present invention. The seawaterin the seawater evaporation tower, after being evaporated considerably,becomes strong brine which can be used to produce edible salt.Accordingly, the present invention further gains a byproduct, i.e.edible salt.

The tidal energy seawater desalination system, further characterized inthat the tidal energy power device comprises at least one system unitwhich comprises an energy storage component, and further comprises abuoy having a empty cavity, a controlled intake and exhaust valve at itsbottom and a controlled intake and exhaust valve at its top; a ratiolifting system, comprising a buoy bracket connecting with the buoy, alifting member, a clutch for lifting member, a flexible transmissionmember, a pulley, a transmission spindle, a lowering member, and aclutch for lowering member, in which the flexible transmission memberdetours the pulley and hangs the lifting member and the lowering memberat the two sides of the pulley respectively, at the two sides of thebuoy bracket is provided with the clutch for lifting member, by means ofwhich the buoy bracket is connected releasably to the lifting member,and the clutch for lowering member, by means of which the buoy bracketis connected releasably to the lifting member, and the lifting memberconnects the energy storage component; and an offshore platform, onwhich is installed with the buoy and the ratio lifting system, with theseawater evaporation tower and the steam condensation tower on the land;the flexible drawing member extends away from the offshore platform to aposition on the land, where it is guided by the pulley to hang thefloating barrel.

The tidal energy seawater desalination system, further characterized inthat the flexible drawing member, extends away from the offshoreplatform to a position on the land, where it is guided by the ratchetwheel to hang the floating barrel; the inner ring of the ratchet wheelis fixed on the transmission spindle, and the outer ring thereof isdetoured by a flexible transmission member which drives the outer ring;the transmission direction of the ratchet wheel is along the fallingdirection of the floating barrel; the floating barrel is capable ofdriving the ratchet wheel when it falls.

According to the aforementioned conception, the present inventionfurther provides a tidal energy seawater desalination and powergeneration system, characterized in that it comprises the aforementionedtidal energy seawater desalination system, and the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system further comprises a steam pressure tank and a steamturbine; the pipeline introducing the steam into the steam condensationtower first connects the steam pressure tank such that the steampressure tank receives and stores steam; the steam turbine connects thesteam pressure tank via pipelines, so as to receive the steam outputfrom it; the power output shaft of the steam turbine connects thegenerator sets, and in turn, the steam turbine connects the steamcondensation tower via pipelines.

According to the aforementioned conception, the present inventionfurther provides a three-dimensional energy integral utilization systemwith tide energy, wind force and solar energy, characterized in that itcomprises the aforementioned tidal energy seawater desalination system,and the tidal energy seawater desalination system further comprises asteam pressure tank and a steam turbine; the pipeline introducing thesteam into the steam condensation tower first connects the steampressure tank such that the steam pressure tank receives and storessteam; the steam turbine connects the steam pressure tank via pipelines,so as to receive the steam output from it; the power output shaft of thesteam turbine connects the generator sets, and in turn, the steamturbine connects the steam condensation tower via pipelines; on theoffshore platform is installed with a solar heater and a wind drivengenerator, and the solar heater connects with the seawater evaporationtower via pipelines for heating the seawater flowing into the seawaterevaporation tower; the wind driven generator is in electric connectionwith an electrical heating device of the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system.

The three-dimensional energy integral utilization system with tideenergy, wind force and solar energy, further characterized in that inthe tidal energy seawater desalination system, the seawater evaporationtower is configured with an electrical heating device, and/or the steampressure tank is configured with an electrical heating device.

The three-dimensional energy integral utilization system with tideenergy, wind force and solar energy, further characterized in that itfurther comprises a tidal power generation system which comprises atleast one system unit, which system unit comprises an energy storagecomponent, and further comprises a buoy having a empty cavity, acontrolled intake and exhaust valve at its bottom and a controlledintake and exhaust valve at its top; a ratio lifting system, comprisinga buoy bracket connecting with the buoy, a lifting member, a clutch forlifting member, a flexible transmission member, a pulley, a transmissionspindle, a lowering member, and a clutch for lowering member, in whichthe flexible transmission member detours the pulley and hangs thelifting member and the lowering member at the two sides of the pulleyrespectively, at the two sides of the buoy bracket is provided with theclutch for lifting member, by means of which the buoy bracket isconnected releasably to the lifting member, and the clutch for loweringmember, by means of which the buoy bracket is connected releasably tothe lifting member, and the lifting member connects the energy storagecomponent; an offshore platform, on which is installed with the buoy andthe ratio lifting system, the flexible drawing member extending to aposition away from the offshore platform where it detours the ratchetwheel and connects the energy storage component the inner ring of theratchet wheel fixed on the transmission spindle, and the outer ringthereof detoured by a flexible transmission member which drives theouter ring, the transmission direction of the ratchet wheel being alongthe falling direction of the energy storage component, and the energystorage component is capable of driving the ratchet wheel when it falls;and generator sets connecting with the transmission spindle and aredriven by the transmission spindle to generate electricity; wherein atleast a part of the transmission spindle of the tidal power generationsystem shares the same spindle with that of the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system.

The offshore platform built above the sea surface may serve to supportthe tidal energy storage equipments. But the tidal power generationequipments only cover relatively small area of the platform surface,therefore, the platform surface can be utilized as “a solar collectionfield”, above the platform as “a wind power collection field”, below theplatform as “a tidal energy collection field”, thereby forming “athree-dimensional space for integrally utilizing energy”. It reduces thecost of tidal power generation system and solves the problems ofoccupying large area of land and high operation cost existing in windpower and solar power. Because of the combination among wind power,solar power, and tidal power, the output way of the wind energy andsolar energy changes, that is, there is no need to output the windelectricity separately from the solar electricity, but the electricalenergy produced by wind force is utilized directly for heating theseawater in “the seawater evaporation tower” without the use ofinverters, and the solar energy is utilized directly for heatingseawater by means of a coil pipe heater, and sends the heated water into“the seawater evaporation tower” without the conversion into electricalpower. Having been heated by wind power and solar energy, seawater canevaporate in a higher rate and be converted into more steam, whichimproves the generation capacity of the tidal power generation system.The integral utilization of the three-dimensional energy can reducesignificantly the cost of the system in investment and operation, andmake it possible to utilize industrially clean renewable natural energyintegrally. The integral utilization of the three-dimensional energysolves the problem that wind power and solar power must employ hugebattery groups and inverters, and produces fresh water and sea salt aswell as electricity.

The above-mentioned purposes, features and technical effects will bedescribed in detail in conjunction with the drawings and preferableembodiments hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The particular features and functions of the present invention will begiven through the following embodiments and drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment according to the presentinvention—a power generation system with tide buoyancy and gravity ratioenergy storage.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first embodiment at high tide when the buoy isempty.

FIG. 3 illustrates the first embodiment at high tide when the buoy isfilled with water.

FIG. 4 illustrates the first embodiment at falling tide when the buoy isdischarging water.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment according to the presentinvention—a seawater desalination system with tide buoyancy and gravityratio energy storage.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment according to the presentinvention—a floating and spreading seawater desalination system withtide buoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage at low tide.

FIG. 7 illustrates the third embodiment at rising tide.

FIG. 7 a illustrates a fourth embodiment according to the presentinvention—a power generation system with tide buoyancy and gravity ratioenergy storage at low tide, when the buoy is empty.

FIG. 7 b illustrates the fourth embodiment at high tide when the buoy isfilled with water.

FIG. 7 c illustrates the fourth embodiment at falling tide when the buoyis discharging water.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment according to the presentinvention—a continuous power generation system with tide buoyancy andgravity ratio energy storage.

FIG. 9 a illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at initial stage of low tide.

FIG. 9 b illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at a first stage of rising tide—falling tide. FIG. 9 cillustrates the state of the energy storage components of the fifthembodiment at the first stage of rising tide—low tide.

FIG. 9 d illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at a second stage of rising tide—falling tide.

FIG. 9 e illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at the second stage of rising tide—low tide.

FIG. 9 f illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at a third stage of rising tide—falling tide.

FIG. 9 g illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at the third stage of rising tide—low tide.

FIG. 9 h illustrates the state of the energy storage components of thefifth embodiment at a fourth stage of rising tide—falling tide.

FIG. 10 illustrates the state of a sixth embodiment—a power generationsystem wherein the energy storage components are moved away.

FIG. 11 illustrates the state of the sixth embodiment at high tide.

FIG. 12 illustrates the state of the sixth embodiment at falling tide.

FIG. 13 illustrates the state of a seventh embodiment—a power generationsystem wherein the energy storage components are moved into a pit.

FIG. 14 is the schematic diagram showing an eighth embodiment accordingto the present invention—a cluster-type power generation system withtide buoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage.

FIG. 15 is the schematic diagram showing a ninth embodiment according tothe present invention—a three-dimensional energy integral utilizationsystem with tide energy, wind force and solar energy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the method of power generation withtide buoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage according to the presentinvention includes several steps which are performed repeatedly, thecycle thereof equal to a tide cycle. A tide cycle includes stages ofinitiation, rising tide, high tide, and falling tide. The methodincludes:

step a: at initiation stage as illustrated in FIG. 1, making the buoy 3hermetic and empty;

step b: at rising tide, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, converting thepotential energy of the buoy 3 rising by buoyancy into the gravitationalpotential energy of the energy storage component 8;

step c: as illustrated in FIG. 3, when close to high tide or at hightide, filling the buoy 3 with water: opening the upper valve 21 and thelower valve 2, then tide water entering the buoy through the lower valve2, the air in the cavity of the buoy being discharged through the uppervalve 21 such that tide water fills the buoy quickly;

step d: still referring to FIG. 3, at falling tide, closing the uppervalve 21 and the lower valve 2 such that the buoy 3 becomes a hermeticbody with water filled, and converting the potential energy of the buoy3 falling under gravity into the gravitational potential energy of theenergy storage component;

step e: as shown in FIG. 4, converting the gravitational potentialenergy of the energy storage component into electrical energy; and

step f: repeating the above steps when next tide arrives.

Corresponding to the method of the present invention, FIG. 1 to FIG. 4illustrate a power generation system with tide buoyancy and gravityratio energy storage, which may be configured by at least one systemunit 100 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. The system unit 100 includes a buoy3 and an energy storage component 8, and corresponding to the step b,further includes an primary energy conversion device, which converts thepotential energy of the buoy 3 rising by buoyancy into the gravitationalpotential energy of the energy storage component 8; and corresponding tothe step c, further includes an ratio energy conversion device, whichconverts the potential energy of the water-filled buoy 3 falling undergravity into the gravitational potential energy of the energy storagecomponent 8; and corresponding to the step e, further includes a powergeneration device, which converts the gravitational potential energy ofthe energy storage component 8 into electrical energy. The buoy controldevice, the primary energy conversion device, the ratio energyconversion device and the power generation device are illustrated in thepreferable embodiment in FIGS. 1-4, but not limited to it. The skilledperson in the art may make any modification or alternation for thedevices of the system within the spirit of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the buoy 3 has an empty cavity 1, and an upper valve(intake and drainage valve) 21 and a lower valve (intake and exhaustvalve) 2. The upper valve 21 and the lower valve 2 can be but notlimited to solenoid valves. Logic control units like PLC may controlexecution units, for instance, driving mechanisms, hydraulic orpneumatic driving units, to close or open the upper valve 21 and thelower valve 2. For the purpose of clear observation, the logic controlunits, and the execution mechanisms are not shown. The upper valve 21,the lower valve 2, and the corresponding logic control units andexecution mechanisms constitute the buoy control device of the powergeneration system with tide buoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage.The buoy control device may close the upper valve 21 and the lower valve2 in step a of the aforementioned method, and open them in the step c,and in turn close them again in step d. More details about the processwill be described thereafter. The logic control units and executionmechanisms of the buoy control device could be integrated in some cases.The aforementioned is not to exhaust the embodiment of the buoy controldevice, the person skilled in the art could according to the spirit ofthe invention in face of particular case select or combine the prior artto configure various kinds of the control device to open or close thebuoy 3.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the primary energy conversion device includesa buoy bracket 7, a lifting member 10 and a clutch for lifting member11. The buoy bracket 7 connects the buoy 3 via a pivot shaft 6, and theyboth may rotate about the shaft 6, such that this flexible connectioncan adapt to the swing of the buoy 3 caused by tide water. The buoybracket 7 is provided with a clutch for lifting member 11 by means ofwhich it can join releasably with the lifting member 10, and a clutchfor lowering member 17 by means of which it can join releasably withlowering member 16. But it will be understood through the descriptionfor the working process that the buoy bracket 7 may not connect tolifting member 10 and lowering member 16 at the same time. The liftingmember 10 hangs the energy storage component 8 at its lower end by rope9 (a flexible drawing member), and connects with the right end of rope12 (a driving flexible member) at its upper end. The length of the rope9 is schematically shown, and it will be understood that the lengththereof is far longer than that shown in the drawings. The engagementbetween the clutch for lifting member 11 and the lifting member 10 orbetween the clutch for lowering member 17 and the lowering member 16 canbe of various ways. The lifting member 10 and the lowering member 16 areboth tie rods. For example, tie rods 10 and 16 are formed with ratchets,and correspondingly, clutches 11 and 17 are also formed with matchingratchets. In some of the embodiments thereafter, the lifting member 10is referred to as lifting ratchet rod, lifting rod, ratchet rod, orsimplified as tie rod, and the lowering member 16 is referred to aslowering ratchet rod, lowering rod, ratchet rod, or simplified as tierod. Correspondingly, the clutch 11 and the clutch 17 are respectivelyreferred to as clutch for lifting ratchet rod 11 and clutch for loweringratchet rod 17, or both simplified as clutch.

The energy storage component 8 is depicted as a square in the drawings,but its shape is not limited to it. The energy storage component 8 canbe supplied with very low cost, such as using soil, sand, seawater orthe like, and can be referred to as solid energy storage component,because it needs no longer running water to store energy as that in theprior art. It will be understood through the following description thatthe energy storage component 8 stores gravitational potential energymainly via gaining a lifting height, and its weight is equal to thedisplacement of the buoy, and its material depends on the requirement ofthe overall structure on its volume. When the overall structure requiresthe volume of the energy storage component to be relatively small,metals, even heavy metals may be employed; when there is no requirementon its volume, concrete or even pebble, gravel, soil or water may beemployed, so as to reduce the cost. Ropes 9 and 12 may be flexiblemembers constituted by any materials with high tensile strength, such assteel wire rope, fiberglass, chains.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a ratio energy conversion device includes abuoy bracket 7, a lowering member 16 and a clutch for lowering member17. Rope 12 is guided by ratchets 13, 14, and connects to the upper endof the lowering member 16 at its left end. The lower end of the loweringmember 16 may connect releasably to the clutch for lowering member 17and positioning clutch 18, but not at the same time. The positioningclutch 18 is fixed on connecting seat 19 mounted on platform which ishigher than the horizontal plane 22. The buoy bracket 7 connecting withthe buoy 3 can go up and down along with it. The connecting seat 19 hasa through hole, through which the lowering member 16 can move up anddown without any restriction.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the power generation device includes agenerator (not shown in the drawing) and ratchet wheels 13, 14. Theratchet wheels 13, 14 includes outer ring 13 and inner ring 14, in whichthe outer ring 13 functions as a pulley wheel and is detoured by theflexible member 12. There can be just unidirectional transmissionbetween the ratchet wheels 13 and 14, and in the drawing, the directionof the unidirectional transmission is clockwise, i.e. the fallingdirection of the energy storage component 8. The inner ring 14 of theratchet wheel is mounted on spindle 15, which may rotate synchronouslyalong with the former.

Said clutches 11, 17, 18 and the control device controlled by the buoymay be provided integrally (the following description bases on thisintegral manner and all the devices controlling them are referred to ascontrol device) or separately, and the skilled in the art can, dependingon demand, choose control devices with any control manner such aselectrically, pneumatically, hydraulically.

Hereinafter, an operating cycle of the power generation system with tidebuoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage according to the presentinvention will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 1 shows the system in the initial stage of the tidal cycle when thelower valve 2 and the upper valve 21 are both closed, the cavity 1 ishermetic body, and the buoy 3 is in seawater under the pressure from theenergy storage component 8, full filled with air to make the buoy 3 instate of hermetic empty pontoon, and with its upper surface just abovethe seawater. Meanwhile, the gravity of the energy storage component 8is applied to the buoy bracket 7 via the engagement between the clutch11 and the tie rod 10, and the buoyancy which the buoy 3 is subjected tois equal to the gravity. At rising tide, the buoy 3, subjected togreatest buoyancy, begins to rise, and the buoy bracket 7 risestherewith, when the buoy bracket 7 connects the lifting member 10 viathe clutch for lifting member 11, while it disengages with the loweringmember 16, that is, both the clutch for lowering member 17 and thepositioning clutch 18 are released. Because the tie rod 10 is joiningwith the buoy bracket 7, it rises at the same time, along with which theenergy storage component 8 begins to lift and thus to store thegravitational potential energy. The lowering member 16, linked with thelifting member 10 via rope 9 and always moving along the directionopposite to the lifting member 10, thus begins to fall. Moreover, theenergy storage component drives the outer ring 13 of the ratchet wheelrotate reversely to the spindle, the spindle 15 and the inner ring 14 ofthe ratchet wheel remaining static.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the buoy 3 reaches close to the highest positionwhen the first energy storage of the energy storage component 8 isfinished. Comparing FIG. 2 with FIG. 1, it will be found that the energystorage component 8 has ascended by a height roughly equal to thedifference of the tide.

As shown in FIG. 3, at high tide, the control devices open the lowervalve 2 and the upper valve 21, and tide water fully fill the cavity 1quickly.

While the tide water begins to recede, owing to that after the buoy 3 isfully filled, the control devices close the lower valve 2 and the uppervalve 21, the buoy 3 may be referred to as a heavy hermetic body filledwith water, the weight of which is greater than that of the energystorage component 8. During falling tide, the buoy 3 descends under thegravity thereof. Meanwhile, the clutch 17 is closed, and the buoybracket 7 joins with the lowering rod 16, while the clutch for liftingmember 11 and the positioning clutch 18 are released. Therefore, whenthe buoy 3 falls, the buoy bracket 7 and the lowering rod 16 descendwhile the lifting member 10 and the energy storage component 8 ascend.When the buoy 3 falls 0.2 m close to the surface of low tide, the clutch17 is closed and grips the tie rod 16 and at the same time the clutch 18on the platform is closed and grips the tie rod 16 as well, such thatthe buoy stopped at the position approximate to the sea level. At thistime, the elevation height of the energy storage component 8 is thedifference of the tide minus the height of the buoy. Where the height ofthe buoy is far less than the difference of the tide, the elevationheight of the energy storage component 8 approximately equals thedifference of the tide, therefore, the total elevation height of theenergy storage component 8 approximately equals the double of thedifference of the tide, realizing “ratio elevation”, thus realizing theratio energy storage.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the lower valve of the buoy is about 0.2 mabove the sea level, the clutches 17, 18 are controlled to stop the buoyand the lower valve 2 and the upper valve 21 are opened at the sametime. After the sea water was drained, the lower valve 2 and the uppervalve 21 is shut and the buoy 3 restores empty. Meanwhile, the clutches17, 11 are released and the empty and hermetic buoy 3, under itsgravity, descends into the sea, and returns to its initial position,ready for next tidal cycle. At this time, the positioning clutch 18 isclosed and grips the upper rod 16, and the energy storage component 8 iskept at the highest position. Before next tide comes (that is, at thestill tide), the energy storage component 8 can be released sequentiallyaccording to the procedures, so as to achieve continuous powergeneration, in which the releasing way for the component 8 will bedescribed hereinafter. After releasing the energy storage component 8,i.e. after releasing the clutch 18, the component 8 descends, and drivesthe outer ring 13 of the ratchet to rotate, which outer ring 13 drivesthe whole ratchet wheel to rotate anticlockwise, which ratchet wheeldrives generators or generator sets to generate electricity, thereby thegravitational potential energy of the energy storage component 8 isconverted into electrical energy. This method converts the tidal energydirectly into rotation torque of the main spindle, which actuatedirectly speed reducers so as to drive generators to generateelectricity, without using power machines like hydraulic turbines,turbomachines to convert hydroenergy into electrical energy, thusimproving the energy conversion efficiency, simplifying devices andreducing the cost significantly.

According to the previous description, during the rising tide andfalling tide, the energy storage component 8 is subjected to thebuoyancy of the empty buoy and the gravity of the water-filled buoyrespectively, and under the effect of the primary energy conversiondevice and the ratio energy conversion device, it is lifted to a heighttwice the tide difference H, the weight of the energy storage componentis equal to the discharge capacity of the buoy, therefore accomplishingthe transmission and storage from the energy of the tide difference tothe energy storage component. During the process, there is little energyloss, and owing to that the lifting height is twice the difference ofthe tide, the potential energy in the energy storage component is twicethe tidal energy that the buoy covers (E=mg2H, where m is the mass ofthe buoy).

FIG. 5 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention, whichis a seawater desalination system 200 with tide buoyancy and gravityratio energy storage, comprising a power generation system 100 of thefirst embodiment, a seawater evaporation tower 30 and a steamcondensation tower 31. The seawater evaporation tower 30 is configuredwith a vacuum pump 32, which is associated with the transmission spindle15, that is, the transmission spindle 15 connects the vacuum pump 32with a power transmission mechanism such that the former can drive thelatter to work. In this embodiment, the power generation system 100 canonly work as a dynamical system to supply driving force but not togenerate electricity (the power generation sets are canceled). Theseawater evaporation tower 30 in this embodiment is a barrel with afixed volume, and is optionally provided with a water heater 33.Seawater is sucked into the water heater 33 from the water inlet 34, andafter being heated in the water heater 33, it goes into the seawaterevaporation tower 30. At the bottom of the seawater evaporation tower 30is seawater, and the vacuum pump 32 connects the upper portion thereofvia pipelines 36 a. The vacuum pump 32 vacuumizes the seawaterevaporation tower 30 to form negative pressure therein, which urgeswater to evaporate out from seawater, and suck the evaporated water. Thevacuum pump 32 also connects the condensation tower 31 containingcooling water via pipeline 36 b, in which cooling water is filled andcoil pipes 35 are arranged through the cooling water. The high-pressurevapor from the vacuum pump 32 passes through the coil pipe 35 and iscooled by the cooling water, finally condensing into fresh water andentering the container 36, while strong brine discharged from theseawater evaporation tower 30 enters the container 35, in which thestrong brine can be utilized to produce salt.

FIGS. 6 and 7 shows the third embodiment of the present invention, whichis a seawater desalination system 300 with tide buoyancy and gravityratio energy storage. The seawater desalination system 300 of theembodiment is formed on the basis of the power generation system in thefirst embodiment, in which the energy storage component is replaced witha floating and spreading seawater evaporation tower 40, and the rope 9originally connecting the energy storage component is lengthened, and isguided around pulley assembly 23 to extend to the land, and likewise,the ratchet wheels 13, 14 originally driving the transmission spindle 15is moved to the land. The ratchet wheels 13, 14, the seawaterevaporation tower 40 and the like are supported by the bracket 20 a onthe land, while the bracket 20 on the offshore platform 5 supports thebearing spindle 15 and the fixed pulley 14 a. The principle of the thirdembodiment on the utilization of tidal energy is identical essentiallywith that of the sixth embodiment thereafter.

The seawater evaporation tower 40 includes a floating barrel 41 a and astationary barrel 41 b, in which the stationary barrel 41 b is providedwith an annular sealing groove 42, and the lower portion of the floatingbarrel 41 a is inserted into the sealing groove, and can move up anddown therein. After being inserted into the sealing groove 42, thefloating barrel 41 a covers the stationary barrel 41 b, and when puttingliquid like seawater in the sealing groove 42, the seawater evaporationtower 40 becomes sealed. Furthermore, the sealing space defined by thefloating barrel 41 a and the stationary barrel 41 b may be varied andthe sealing structure may be another type other than liquid sealing. Theseawater evaporation tower 40 extends its internal space through theupward movement of the floating barrel 41 a, so as to form negativepressure.

Seawater is introduced into the lower portion of the stationary barrel41 b by means of pipeline 43 a, in which there is provided with asolenoid valve 44 a. In the stationary barrel 41 b, a condensed watercollection tray 49 is supported at a height away from the bottomthereof, the tray exporting the fresh water or mixture of water andsteam to the condensation tower through the pipeline 43 b, in whichpipeline 43 b is provided with a solenoid valve 44 b. At the lowerportion of the stationary barrel 41 b is disposed via pipelines 43 c inwhich is provided with solenoid valve 44 c. The strong brine flows intothe pipeline 43 c from its bottom and at last out of the stationarybarrel 41 b. Between the inner wall of the stationary barrel 41 b andthe condensed water collection tray 49, there is provided with acondensed water scraper 48, which is used to guide the condensed waterinto the collection tray 49. At the bottom of the collection tray 49 isdisposed with a fresh water export pipe 43 b. The seawater evaporationtower 40 is better to be configured with a water heater, for instance asolar water heater. The seawater in the pipeline 43 a is that heated bythe water heater.

The working process of this embodiment will be described hereinafter.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, during the rising tide to the falling tide,tide exerts the buoy bidirectionally, such that the rope 9 lifts thefloating barrel 41 a on the seawater evaporation tower 40 by a height2H, and the volume of the seawater evaporation tower 40 extends andnegative pressure is formed. After lifting a height 2H, the solenoidclutch 18 for tie rod is closed and grips the rod 16, to keep thefloating barrel 41 a at the highest position, continuously maintainingthe vacuum degree in the seawater evaporation tower 40. With the intakesolenoid valve 44 a opened, the seawater, under negative pressure, flowsthrough the solar water heater into the stationary barrel 41 b. Thepreheated seawater, under negative pressure kept by the stationarybarrel 41 b, evaporates quickly, with abundant vapor emerging.

At low tide, the solenoid clutch 18 for tie rod is opened and releasesthe upper rod 16, and the floating barrel 41 a descends under gravity,with the pressure in the stationary barrel 41 b increasing, and thevapor condenses into water and flows along the inner wall of barrel andthen flows downward along the condensed water scraper 48 into thecollection tray 49. The floating barrel 41 a descends under gravity, andthe mixture of water and steam is sent to a condensation tower (notshown in FIG. 6, it can be understood with reference to FIG. 5) andcondensed continuously into fresh water. The salt concentration of theseawater in the evaporation tower 40 increases with the evaporation ofwater. The solenoid valve 44 c can be controlled to discharge the strongbrine so as to produce salt, while the fresh seawater is sucked into theevaporation tower under the negative press thereof. With repeating this,it is possible to continuously produce fresh water and salt based onseawater.

Comparing with the second embodiment, the third one uses a floating andspreading seawater evaporation tower 40, without the vacuum pump.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, for the purpose of reducing the height of thebracket 20 a, the evaporation tower 40 is provided in a pit.

FIGS. 7 a-7 c show the fourth embodiment of the present invention, whichadds a pressure tank 51 and a vacuum tank 50 on the basis of the firstembodiment. The vacuum tank 50 and the pressure tank 51 both connect theupper valve 21 with pipelines. The pipelines connecting the pressuretank 51 is provided with a solenoid valve 510, and the ones connectingthe vacuum tank 50 with a solenoid valve 500. As illustrated in FIG. 7a, at low tide, both the solenoid valve 510 and the solenoid valve 500assume a close state, and the empty buoy 3 is not in communication withthe pressure tank 51 and the vacuum tank 50. As illustrated in FIG. 7 b,at high tide, the lower valve 2 and the upper valve 21 are both opened,and tide water surges into the buoy 3 from the lower valve 2,discharging the air therein. At this stage, the solenoid valve 510 isopened, the discharged air enters the pressure tank 51. As depicted inFIG. 7 c, at the stage of the buoy discharging water, the solenoid valve510 is shut while the solenoid valve 500 is opened, and the seawaterflows out of the buoy 3 under its gravity, which may form negativepressure in the buoy 3, thus vacuumizing the vacuum tank 50. Theadvantage of the fourth embodiment is that there are byproducts formed,that is, the pressure tank 51 and the vacuum tank 50.

Apparently, the structure that the pressure tank 51 and the vacuum tank50 connect the upper valve 21 can be applied to the embodiments bothhereinabove and hereinafter.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the power generation systemwith tide buoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage according to thepresent invention, i.e. the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 only shows a systemunit 400, and the whole system may be configured by at least one suchsystem unit 400. In FIG. 8, (a) is a front view, (b) is across-sectional view, and (c) is a top view. The main difference fromthe embodiment in FIG. 1 is that, the system unit 400 in FIG. 8 has anenergy storage component region with several groups of energy storagecomponents for continuously generating electricity. FIG. 8 takes A,B,Cgroups as an example to illustrate, each of which components has thesame way to store energy as that of the embodiment in FIG. 1, and thebuoy bracket, multiple clutches, a lifting rod and a lowering rodcoordinates with each other to complete the ratio energy storage. Butthey are different in releasing the stored energy. As shown in FIG. 8,all the groups share a buoy bracket 7. After each group of “energystorage components” are lifted to the specified position, they are keptat specified height under the effect of the positioning clutch 18, thuswithout the limitation from the tide cycle. The energy storagecomponents are released and fall in a different time style uponspecified procedures, so as to drive generator sets to continuouslygenerate electricity.

With reference to FIGS. 9 a-9 h, the working process of the embodimentwill be described as follows.

-   -   1) at initial stage (as shown in FIG. 9 a):        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level is at low            tide.        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy 3 and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy 3 is sunk into            seawater under pressure of energy storage component 8,            air-filled and with its upper surface just above the            seawater, and in a state of “hermetic empty pontoon”; the            intake and exhaust valve (the upper valve) 2 and the intake            and exhaust valve (the lower valve) 21 are both closed (it            can be understood referring to FIG. 2).        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods: the solenoid clutch 11 is closed and grips            the ratchet rod 10; the solenoid clutch for rod 17 and 19 is            opened, and the ratchet rod 16 is released.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components 8: the gravity of each group “energy storage            component” A, B, C is applied to the buoy bracket 7 via the            engagement between the clutchs 11 and the tie rods 10, and            the buoyancy which the buoy 3 is subjected to is equal to            the gravity, and the energy storage components 8 is at the            lowest position.        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheel 13, 14:            the ratchet wheel 13, 14 do not rotate.        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle 15: the spindle            15 does not rotate.    -   2) at the stage of rising tide, as shown in FIG. 9 b:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level rises            gradually from the position at low tide to that at high            tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy, under buoyancy,            rises to the position at high tide and is fully filled with            air; the intake and exhaust valve (upper valve) 2 and the            intake and exhaust valve (lower valve) 21 are both closed            (it can be understood referring to FIG. 2).        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   during the rising of the sea level, the solenoid clutch                11 keeps closed and grips the ratchet rod 10;            -   after reaching the position at high tide, the solenoid                clutch 11 is opened and releases the ratchet rod 10,                while the solenoid clutch for rod 17 is closed and grips                the ratchet rod 16;            -   the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is opened, and the                ratchet rod 16 can slide therein.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components: during the rising of the sea level, the solenoid            clutch 11 mounted on the buoy bracket 7 grips the ratchet            rod 10, and draws all the “energy storage components” to            rise gradually to the position at high tide;        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels: the            energy storage components 8 are linked with the tie rod 16            via chain 12 around the outer ring 13 of the ratchet wheel,            and when the energy storage components 8 ascend, the            components drive the ratchet wheel 13 to rotate reversely to            the spindle 15, and due to the unidirectional transmission            between the ratchet wheels 13 and 14, the ratchet wheel 13            does not drive the spindle 15.        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle 15: the spindle            15 does not rotate    -   3) at the stage of high tide, still as shown in FIG. 9 b:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level remains at            the position at high tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy 3 remains at the            position at high tide, and the electromagnetic control            system is actuated to open the intake and drainage valve 2            and the intake and exhaust valve 21, seawater filling the            buoy at high tide, and after that, the electromagnetic            control system is actuated to shut the intake and drainage            valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21 and the buoy 3            becomes “a water-filled pontoon”, and descends under            gravity.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   the solenoid clutch 11 is opened and releases the                ratchet rod 10;            -   the solenoid clutch 17 for rod is closed and grips the                ratchet rod 16;            -   the solenoid clutch 18 for rod is opened, and the                ratchet rod 16 can slide therein.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components: all the “energy storage components” A, B, C            assume the position at high tide;        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels: both            the ratchet wheels 13 and 14 do not rotate;        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle 15            does not rotate;    -   4) at the stage of falling tide, still as shown in FIG. 9 b        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level descends            from the position at high tide to that at low tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy 3 descends from the            position at high tide, and when the intake and drainage            valve 2 arrives at the position which is 0.2 m away from the            sea level, the solenoid clutches for rod 17,18 are            controlled to stop the buoy 3 from descending. The            electromagnetic control system is actuated to open the            intake and drainage valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve            21, such that seawater is discharged by free fall; and after            the seawater is drained, the intake and drainage valve 2 and            the intake and exhaust valve 21 are shut and the buoy 3            restores “a hermetic empty pontoon”, then the clutches            11,17, 18 is controlled such that the buoy goes into the            seawater gradually by the weight of the energy storage            components and itself and returns to the position at initial            stage.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   the solenoid clutch 11 is opened and releases the                ratchet rod 10;            -   when tide begins to fall, the solenoid clutch for rod 17                is closed and grips the ratchet rod 16 such that the                ratchet rod 16 draws the energy storage components 8 to                ascend with the falling of the buoy 3;            -   when the buoy 3 falls 0.2 m close to the surface of low                tide, the clutch 17 is closed and grips the tie rod 16                and at the same time the clutch 18 on the platform is                closed and grips the tie rod 16 as well, so as to keep                the buoy at the position close to the sea level.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   energy storage components 8 is drew by the ratchet rod                16 and chain 12 and go on elevating from the position at                high tide, the elevation height is the difference of the                tide H minus the height of the buoy h (where h is far                less than H, h can be omitted, and the elevation height                of the buoy is H), therefore, the total elevation height                of the energy storage component 8 approximately equals                the double of the difference of the tide, that is, 2H.                When the energy storage components 8 reach the highest                position, the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is closed and                grips the tie rod 16, and keeps the components 8 at the                highest position, and at this time the potential energy                of the components 8 is E=mg2H, i.e. doubles the energy                of the tidal energy;        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels: when            the rod 16 descends, the outer ring 13 of the ratchet wheel            and the spindle 15 rotate anticlockwise, without driving the            spindle 15;        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle 15            does not rotate;    -   5) at the stage of first low tide (after the falling tide, and        before the next rising tide), as shown in FIG. 9 c        -   {circle around (1)} sea level: the sea level is at low tide            again        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy 3 and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy 3 is in seawater            under pressure from the energy storage components 8,            air-filled and with its upper surface just above the            seawater, and assumes a state of “hermetic empty pontoon”;            the intake and drainage valve 2 and the intake and exhaust            valve 21 are both closed.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   for the purpose of continuously generating electricity,                not all the energy storage components are allowed to                release energy at low tide. The total the energy storage                components are divided into three groups, A, B, C, and                PLC controls according to program, to open the solenoid                clutch 18 for rod and release the ratchet rod 16,                thereby each energy storage component descends from the                highest position under gravity. Chain 12 drives the                outer ring 13 and the spindle 15 to rotate in the same                direction, such that the spindle 15 transfers the torque                to speed reducers and generator sets. Each group                releases energy in the following way:            -   group A: the solenoid clutches for rod 11, 17, 18 are                all opened, and releases the ratchet rod 10, 16 in such                a manner that each energy storage component in group A                falls in different time to release energy;            -   group B: the solenoid clutch 18 is closed and grips the                ratchet rod 16;            -   group C: the solenoid clutch 18 is closed and grips the                ratchet rod 16;        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components, as shown in FIG. 9 c;            -   each group of energy storage component moves and                releases energy in the following way:            -   group A: at low tide, each energy storage component in                group A falls in different time to release energy. Upon                the low tide is over, all of them have reached the                lowest point from the highest position 2H, with the                process of releasing energy finished, and the spindle                driven to rotate to generate;            -   group B and C: at low tide, they keep at the highest                position, and during rising tide—high side—falling side,                they work in turn, in such a manner to ensure that at                each stage there are always some energy storage                components releasing energy, so as to drive the spindle                to generate electricity continuously.        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A: when energy storage components thereof descend,                the chain 12 drives the outer ring 13 and the spindle 15                to rotate in the same direction, such that the torque of                the outer ring 13, through the ratchet wheels 13, 14, is                transferred to inner ring 14, thus driving the spindle                15 to rotate.            -   group B and C keep at the highest position, and their                corresponding ratchet wheels do not rotate:        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle 15: the spindle            15 is driven by the energy storage components of group A to            rotate clockwise, thus the speed reducer is driven so as to            bring the generator to work to generate electricity.    -   6) at the stage of second rising tide, as shown in FIG. 9 b:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level rises            gradually from the level at low tide to that at high tide;            {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy rises to the            position at high tide under buoyancy, with air filled; the            intake and exhaust valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve            21 are both closed.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A: the solenoid clutch 11 keeps closed and grips                the ratchet rod 10;                -   after arriving at the position at high tide, the                    solenoid clutch 11 is opened and releases the                    ratchet rod 10, while the solenoid clutch for rod 17                    is closed and grips the ratchet rod 16;            -   group B: the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is opened, and                releases the ratchet rod 16 so as to descend the energy                storage components of group B;            -   group C: the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is closed, and                grips the ratchet rod 16 so as to keep the energy                storage component of group C at the highest position;        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   group A: the solenoid clutch 11 on the buoy bracket 7                grips the ratchet rod 10, and draws all the “energy                storage components” of group A to rise gradually to the                position at high tide and a second cycle of energy                storage begins;            -   group B: at rising tide, group B descends from the                highest position, and drives the spindle to work;            -   group C: keep the energy storage component of group C at                the highest position;        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A: the energy storage components rises, chain 12                drives the outer ring 13 of the ratchet wheel to rotate                reversely to the spindle 15, and due to the                unidirectional transmission between the ratchet wheels                13 and 14, the spindle 15 is not affected.            -   group B: the energy storage components falls, and drives                the outer ring 13 of the ratchet wheel and the spindle                15 to rotate in the same direction, and the torque is                transferred to the spindle 15;            -   group C: the energy storage components keep still, and                the ratchet wheels do not rotate;        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle 15: the spindle            15, driven by the energy storage components in group B,            rotates anticlockwise, and drives speed reducers to operate            on generators for generating electricity.    -   7) at the stage of second high tide, still as shown in FIG. 9 d        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level remains at            the position at high tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy 3 remains at the            position at high tide, and the electromagnetic control            system is actuated to open the intake and drainage valve 2            and the intake and exhaust valve 21, seawater filling the            buoy at high tide, and after that, the electromagnetic            control system is actuated to shut the intake and drainage            valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21 and the buoy 3            becomes “a water-filled pontoon”, and descends under            gravity.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A: the solenoid clutch 11 is opened and releases                the ratchet rod 10;                -   the solenoid clutch for rod 17 is closed and grips                    the ratchet rod 16;                -   the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is opened, and the                    ratchet rod 16 can slide therein.            -   group B: the solenoid clutches 11, 17, 18 are all                opened, and the ratchet rod 10 and the ratchet rod 16                slide, thus the energy storage components descending.            -   group C: the solenoid clutch 18 is closed and grips the                ratchet rod 16, thus the energy storage components                remain at its position.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   group A: the energy storage components assume the                position at high tide;            -   group B: the energy storage components descends;            -   group C: the energy storage components remain at the                highest position.        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A: the ratchet wheels do not move;            -   group B: the outer rings of the ratchet wheels move                along the same direction, and drive the spindle to move;            -   group C: the ratchet wheels do not move;        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle,            driven by the energy storage components of group B, rotate            clockwise to drive generators to generate electricity;    -   8) at the stage of second falling tide, referring to FIGS. 9 d        and 9 e:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level descends            from the position at high tide to that at low tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy 3 descends from the            position at high tide, and when the intake and drainage            valve 2 assumes the position which is 0.2 m away from the            sea level, the solenoid clutches for rod 17,18 are            controlled to stop the buoy 3 from descending. The            electromagnetic control system is actuated to open the            intake and drainage valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve            21, such that seawater is discharged in free fall (as shown            in FIG. 9); and after the seawater is drained, the intake            and drainage valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21 are            shut and the buoy 3 restores a “hermetic empty pontoon”,            then the buoy goes into the seawater gradually by the weight            of the energy storage components and itself and returns to            the position at initial stage.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A: the solenoid clutch 11 is opened and releases                the ratchet rod 10;            -   when tide begins to fall, the solenoid clutch for rod 17                is closed and grips the ratchet rod 16 such that the                ratchet rod 16 draws the energy storage components to                ascend with the falling of the buoy 3;            -   when the buoy 3 falls 0.2 m close to the surface of low                tide, the clutch 17 is closed and grips the tie rod 16                and at the same time the clutch 18 on the platform is                closed and grips the tie rod 16 as well, so as to keep                the buoy at that position.            -   group B: the solenoid clutches for rod 11, 17, 18 are                all opened, such that the ratchet rods 10,16 may slide,                and the energy storage components descend to the lowest                position.            -   group C: the solenoid clutches for rod 18 is closed and                grips the ratchet rod 16, such that the energy storage                components do not descend.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   group A: energy storage components are drew by the                ratchet rod 16 and chain 12 and go on elevating from the                position at high tide to the highest position 2H. Upon                that the energy storage components reach the highest                position, the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is closed and                grips the tie rod 16, and keeps the components at the                highest position;            -   group B: the solenoid clutches for rod 11, 17, 18 are                all opened, such that the ratchet rods 10,16 may slide,                and the energy storage components descend gradually to                the lowest position.            -   group C: the solenoid clutches for rod 18 is closed and                grips the ratchet rod 16, such that the energy storage                components do not descend.        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A: the outer rings of the ratchet wheels rotate                along the reverse direction with that of the spindle,                and thus do not drive the spindle;            -   group B: the outer rings 13 of the ratchet wheels rotate                along the same direction with that of the spindle, and                thus to drive the spindle 15;            -   group C: the outer rings 13 of the ratchet wheels do not                rotate.        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle,            driven by the energy storage components in group B, rotates            clockwise so as to drive generators to generate electricity;    -   9) at the stage of third low tide, as shown in FIG. 9 e:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level is at low            tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy 3 and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy is in seawater under            pressure from the energy storage components, air-filled and            with its upper surface just above the seawater, and assumes            a state of “hermetic empty pontoon”; the intake and drainage            valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21 are both closed.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A: the solenoid clutches for rod 11, 17, 18 are                all opened, and releases the ratchet rod 10, 16, in such                a manner that each energy storage component in group A                falls in different time to release energy;            -   group B: the solenoid clutch for rod 11 is closed and                grips the ratchet rod 10;            -   group C: the solenoid clutch for rod 18 is closed and                grips the ratchet rod 16;        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components;            -   group A: at low tide, each energy storage component in                group A falls in different time to release energy. Upon                the low tide is over, all of them have reached the                lowest point from the highest position 2H, with the                process of releasing energy finished, and the spindle                driven to rotate to generate.            -   group B: energy storage components thereof descends to                the lowest position;            -   group C: energy storage components thereof keeps at the                highest position.        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A: when energy storage components thereof descend,                the chain drives the outer ring rotate with the spindle                along the same direction, such that the torque of the                outer ring, via the ratchet wheels, is transferred to                inner ring, thus driving the spindle to rotate.            -   group B: energy storage components thereof reach the                lowest position, and the ratchet wheels do not rotate;            -   group C: energy storage components thereof keep at the                highest position, and their corresponding ratchet wheels                do not rotate:        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle is            driven by the energy storage components of group A to rotate            clockwise, thus driving a speed reducer, and in turn the            speed reducer drives the generator to generate electricity.    -   10) at the stage of third rising tide, as shown in FIG. 9 f:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level rises            gradually from the level at low tide to that at high tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy rises to the            position at high tide under buoyancy, with air filled; the            intake and exhaust valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve            21 are both closed.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A, group B: the solenoid clutch 11 keeps closed                and grips the ratchet rod 10; after arriving at the                position at high tide, the solenoid clutch 11 is opened                and releases the ratchet rod 10, while the solenoid                clutch for rod 17 is closed and grips the ratchet rod                16;            -   group C: the solenoid clutch for rod 11,17,18 is opened,                and release the ratchet rod 16, the energy storage                component descending from the highest position;        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   group A, group B: the solenoid clutch 11 on the buoy                bracket grips the ratchet rod 10, and draws all the                “energy storage components” to rise gradually to the                position at high tide and a third cycle of energy                storage begins;            -   group C: energy storage components thereof descend from                the highest position;        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A, group B: the energy storage components rises,                and the chain drives the outer ring of the ratchet wheel                rotate reversely to the spindle, and due to the                unidirectional transmission between the ratchet wheels                13 and 14, the spindle 15 is not affected.            -   group C: the energy storage components fall, and the                ratchet wheel rotate in forward direction;        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle,            driven by the energy storage components in group C, rotates            clockwise, and drives speed reducers to operate on            generators for generating electricity.    -   11) at the stage of third high tide, as shown in FIG. 9 f.        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level remains at            the position at high tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy remains at the            position at high tide, and the electromagnetic control            system is actuated to open the intake and drainage valve 2            and the intake and exhaust valve 21, seawater filling the            buoy at high tide, and after that, the electromagnetic            control system is actuated to shut the intake and drainage            valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21, and the buoy 3            becomes “a water-filled pontoon”, and descends under            gravity.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A, group B: the solenoid clutch 11 is opened and                releases the ratchet rod 10; the solenoid clutch for rod                17 is closed and grips the ratchet rod 16; the solenoid                clutch for rod 18 is opened, and the ratchet rod 16 can                slide therein.            -   group C: the solenoid clutches 11, 17, 18 are all                opened, and release the ratchet rod 10 and the ratchet                rod 16, thus the energy storage components descending                from the highest position.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   group A, group B: the energy storage components assume                the position at high tide;            -   group C: the energy storage components thereof descends                from the highest position;        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A, group B: the energy storage components rises,                and the chain drives the outer ring 13 of the ratchet                wheel rotate reversely to the spindle, and due to the                unidirectional transmission between the ratchet wheels                13 and 14, the spindle is not affected.            -   group C: the energy storage components falls, and the                ratchet wheels rotate clockwise;        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle,            driven by the energy storage components of group C, rotates            anticlockwise to drive generators to generate electricity;    -   12) at the stage of third falling tide, referring to FIGS. 9 f        and 9 g:        -   {circle around (1)} the sea level: the sea level descends            from the position at high tide to that at low tide;        -   {circle around (2)} the position of the buoy and the state            of the upper and lower valves: the buoy descends from the            position at high tide, and when the intake and drainage            valve 2 assumes the position which is 0.2 m away from the            sea level, the solenoid clutches for rod B,C are controlled            to stop the buoy 3 from descending. The electromagnetic            control system is actuated to open the intake and drainage            valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21, such that            seawater is discharged in free fall (as shown in FIG. 9 b);            and after the seawater is drained, the intake and drainage            valve 2 and the intake and exhaust valve 21 are shut and the            buoy 3 restores a “hermetic empty pontoon”, then the buoy            goes into the seawater gradually under the weight of the            energy storage components and itself and returns to the            position at initial stage.        -   {circle around (3)} the state of the solenoid clutches and            the ratchet rods:            -   group A, group B: the solenoid clutch 11 is opened and                releases the ratchet rod 10, when tide begins to fall,                the solenoid clutch for rod 17 is closed and grips the                ratchet rod 16 such that the ratchet rod 16 draws the                energy storage components to ascend with the falling of                the buoy; when the buoy 3 falls 0.2 m close to the                surface of low tide, the clutch 17 is closed and grips                the tie rod 16 and at the same time the clutch 18 on the                platform is closed and grips the tie rod 16 as well, so                as to keep the buoy at that position.            -   group C: the solenoid clutches for rod 11, 17, 18 are                all opened and release the ratchet rods 10,16, thus the                energy storage components descending.        -   {circle around (4)} the position of the energy storage            components:            -   group A, group B: energy storage components reach the                highest position 2H.            -   group C: the energy storage components descend.        -   {circle around (5)} the state of the ratchet wheels:            -   group A, group B: the energy storage components rises,                the chain drives the outer ring of the ratchet wheel                rotate reversely to the spindle, and due to the                unidirectional transmission between the ratchet wheels                13 and 14, the spindle is not affected.            -   group C: the energy storage components falls, and the                ratchet wheels rotate in forward direction.        -   {circle around (6)} the state of the spindle: the spindle,            driven by the energy storage components in group C, rotates            anticlockwise so as to drive generators to generate            electricity.    -   13) at the stage of fourth low tide, as shown in FIG. 9 h.        -   From this stage, the movement of the first cycle is            repeated, and the groups of energy storage components, under            the effect of tide, ascend and descend continuously in            different time according to the above procedures, converting            tidal energy into mechanical energy of the energy storage            components, which drives the spindle to rotate continuously,            thus generating electricity uninterruptedly.        -   In different cycles, there is difference only in the way of            the relative movements between the energy storage components            of the group B and group C.

FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 shows the sixth embodiment of the present invention,which is a system unit 500. The power generation system with tidebuoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage may be configured by at leastone system unit 500. The sixth embodiment is different from the firstembodiment in that the energy storage components 8 and the ratchet rod10 is connected flexibly through the rope 9 which is lengthened formeeting the need in cluster applications. Furthermore, the energystorage components 8 is placed in a position away from the platform 5,on which the transmission spindle 15 and the inner ring 14 a of theratchet wheel remains, or spindle 15 and inner ring 14 a of ratchetwheel may be replaced with fixed pulleys, and the transmission spindle15, the outer ring 13 and the inner ring 14 of the ratchet wheels in thefirst embodiment are moved on the land 26 away from the platform 5, andare supported by the bracket 20 a, and all the operation of the wholedevice keeps identical. The meaning of the embodiment is that: thetorques generated by multiple energy storage components 8 can beconveniently converged into one spindle 15, thus the superposition ofthe collected torque and energy is realized, which addresses the keyproblem existing in the industrialization of tidal energy. Apparently,the energy storage components of the embodiment depicted in the FIGS.10-12 may be the ones which store energy by groups and release energystorage by groups mentioned in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows the seventh embodiment of the present invention, which ispresented as a system unit 600. The power generation system with tidebuoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage may be configured by at leastone of system unit 600. This embodiment is different from the sixthembodiment in that there is provided with a pit 261 on the land 26 belowenergy storage components 8, which may result in reduction of the heightof the bracket 20 a which supports the ratchet wheels 13, 14 and thespindle 15.

FIG. 14 shows the eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is acluster combining a plurality of system units 500 in the sixthembodiment or 600 in the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, abovethe sea surface 22 is provided with a plurality of system units 500 or600, which suspend the energy storage components 8 on the sametransmission spindle 15 by the rope 9 travelling over the coastline 25and directed through the pulley sets 23. The transmission spindle 15 isprovided on the land 26, and is supported by the bearing 152. Each rope9 has corresponding ratchet wheels 13, 14. The energy storage components8 may drive the spindle 15 to rotate on the aforementioned principles,especially, on the principles according to the fifth embodiment. Thespindle 15 drives the transmission mechanism 151 (for instance, a belttransmission mechanism 151, but not limited to it), which mechanismdrives the speed increaser 27, which in turn, outputs the dynamic forceto a uniform speed flywheel 28, and the uniform speed flywheel 28 drivesthe generation module 29 to generating electricity.

In the aforementioned embodiments, via the descending of the energystorage component 8, the spindle 15 is driven to rotate, but with toolow speed, therefore improper to drive generators directly. A speedincreaser 27 is needed to improve the speed, which can be apin-cycloidal gear planetary speeding gear box which has a wide speedrange (if it is of two-stage, the transmission ratio thereof may be1:121˜7569), works efficiently (above 90%), and can increase therotation speed effectively to above 350 n/min, which is suitable todrive generator. In the aforementioned embodiments, at the output end ofthe speed increaser is mounted with a uniform speed flywheel 28 whichprestores 1˜2 cycles of tidal energy, in order to keep the speed of thegenerator stable when the energy storage components operatealternatively and external load varies.

FIG. 15 shows the ninth embodiment which forms a three-dimensionalenergy integrated utilization field with tide, wind force, and solarenergy.

Traditional methods of solar power generation and wind power generation,when applied to large-scale construction, have two disadvantages, whichresult in large scale of investigation for power plants, and very highcost of power generation, affecting the development of the solar andwind power generation:

1. both a wind farm and a solar power plant need to occupy a large areaof land, which not only increases the cost of construction andmanagement, but also, from the perspective of resource utilization,produces great waste of land resource.

2. both wind and solar power generation need a large quantity of batterygroups and inverters to ensure the continuous generation and the qualityof power, which not only increases the cost of power generation, butalso brings secondary pollution from chemicals produced during thelong-period operation and maintenance of batteries.

As shown in FIG. 15, a three-dimensional energy integrated utilizationfield with tide, wind force, and the sun, includes a power generationsystem with tide buoyancy and gravity ratio energy storage whichcomprises of a plurality of (three shown in the drawing) system units500 or 600 and a seawater desalination system with tide buoyancy andgravity 200. On each offshore platform of system units 500,600,200,there are provided with solar heaters 91 and wind driven generators 90,in which the solar heaters 91 constitute a solar heater cluster whilethe wind driven generators 90 constitute a wind driven generatorcluster. A plurality of energy storage components in the system units500 or 600 constitute an energy storage component cluster 92, whichstores tidal energy in the accordance with the way in the aforementionedembodiments. The energy storage component cluster 92 with stored tidalenergy drives the same transmission spindle 93, and at the same time,the energy storage component of the seawater desalination system 200drives the spindle 93 as well. The spindle 93, supported by a bearingblock 93 a, on the one hand, drives a speed increaser box 95 by atransmission mechanism 94 a, the speed increaser box 95 driving theuniform speed flywheel 96, which in turn, drives generator sets 97 togenerate electricity; on the other hand, the spindle 93 drives thevacuum pump 95 b by a transmission mechanism 94 b, the vacuum pump 95 bsucking air from the seawater evaporation tower 82 such that negativepressure is formed in the seawater evaporation tower 82, and thus theseawater heated by the solar water heater 91 is delivered to theseawater evaporation tower 82 through pipelines, and subsequently,evaporates quickly under negative pressure, to form low-pressure steam,which is sucked by vacuum pump 95 b. The low-pressure steam ispressurized in the vacuum pump 95 b to form high-pressure steam, and thehigh-pressure steam is delivered outward the steam pressure tank 98which connects the output end of the vacuum pump 95 b with pipelines.The steam pressure tank 98 is configured with electric heaters 81, theelectrical power of which is provided by that generated from the winddriven generators 90, and electric heaters 81 further heats thehigh-pressure steam in the steam pressure tank 98. The output end of thesteam pressure tank 98 connects the steam turbine 99 with pipelines, andthe output high-pressure steam drives the turbine 99 to rotate. Thepower output shaft of steam turbine 99 connects with the uniform speedflywheel 96 b, which drives the generator sets 97 b. After driving theturbine, the steam loses energy and its temperature goes down tocondense into fresh water, and the remained gas may be sent to acondenser, and is further processed into fresh water. As shown in thedrawing, the high-pressure steam in the turbine 99 is retrieved in theform of fresh water into the fresh water receiver 83 while the brine inthe seawater evaporation tower 82 enters the brine receiver 84.

As can be seen from FIG. 15, the wind driven generators 90 is mounted onthe very columns which are built on the offshore platform of the systemunits, therefore overcoming the problem that the wind power generationsystems occupy large area of land.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in the embodiment in FIG. 15,the seawater evaporation tower 82 can be provided with an electricalheater. The electrical heater is powered directly by the wind drivengenerator 90 and heats the seawater in the evaporation tower, whicheffectively improves the evaporation rate, and the generating rate ofthe steam. The steam pressure tank 98 (also referred to as gas storagetank) may also be provided with an electrical heater 81 powered directlyby the wind driven generator 90, which may increase the steam pressurein the gas storage tank so as to drive the turbine 99 to move. Due tothat there is no requirement in the quality and continuity of power, itis no need to distribute power through storage batteries and inverters,decreasing significantly the cost of wind power, and improving theutilization efficiency of electrical energy.

In the embodiment of FIG. 15, there is large area on the “offshoreplatform” of the system units for mounting “solar water heaters”,therefore overcoming the problem that the solar energy collection panelsoccupy large area of land. The embodiments shown in figures may employcost-effective “coil-type solar water heaters” to utilize the solarenergy to heat directly seawater. The heated seawater is sucked into theevaporation tower under the negative pressure therein. High temperatureseawater may improve effectively the evaporation rate and the generatingrate of the steam.

Although the seawater desalination system 200 with tide buoyancy andgravity illustrated in FIG. 15 is identical or substantially identicalwith that in FIG. 5, the former can be replaced with the seawaterdesalination system with floating and spreading seawater evaporationtower 40 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The seawater desalination system200 not only desalinates seawater, but also drives turbogenerators togenerate electricity.

Compared with the prior art, “the offshore platform” built above the seasurface shown in the embodiment in FIG. 15 may serve to support theequipments of the tidal power generation system. But the tidal powergeneration equipments only cover relatively small area of the platformsurface, therefore, the platform surface can be arranged as “a solarcollection field”, that is, a place for installing solar powergeneration devices or solar heating devices or the like; above theplatform, there can be arranged as “a wind power collection field”, thatis, the space for installing wind driven generation devices and thelike; below the platform, there can be arranged as “a tidal energycollection field”, as a result of this, “a three-dimensional space forintegrally utilizing energy” is formed. It reduces the cost of tidalpower generation system and solves the problems of occupying large areaof land and high operation cost existing in wind power and solar power.

Because of the combination among wind power, solar power, and tidalpower, the output way of the wind energy and solar energy changes, thatis, there is no need to output the wind electricity separately from thesolar electricity, but the electrical energy produced by wind force isutilized directly for heating the seawater in “the seawater evaporationtower” without the use of inverters, and the solar energy is utilizeddirectly for heating seawater by means of solar water heater 91 (forinstance, coil pipe heater), and sends the heated water into “theseawater evaporation tower” without the conversion into electricalpower. Having been heated by wind power and solar energy, seawater canevaporate in a higher rate and be converted into more steam, whichimproves the generation capacity of the tidal power generation system.The integral utilization of the three-dimensional energy can reducesignificantly the cost of the system in investment and operation, andmake it possible to utilize industrially clean renewable natural energyintegrally.

The integral utilization of the three-dimensional energy solves theproblem that wind power and solar power must employ huge battery groupsand inverters, and produces fresh water and sea salt as well aselectricity.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A tidal energy seawater desalination system,characterized in that the system comprises a tidal energy power device,a seawater evaporation tower and a steam condensation tower, theseawater evaporation tower is configured with a vacuum pump whichconnects with a power output shaft of the tidal energy power device suchthat the tidal energy power device is capable of driving the vacuum pumpto work, the vacuum pump connects the seawater evaporation tower viapipelines, the output end of the vacuum pump connects the steamcondensation tower via pipelines, and the steam condensation towerconnects a fresh water receiver via pipelines; the tidal energy powerdevice comprises at least one system unit which comprises an energystorage component, and further comprises: a buoy having a empty cavity,a controlled intake and drainage valve at the bottom thereof and acontrolled intake and exhaust valve at the top thereof; a ratio liftingsystem, comprising a buoy bracket connecting with the buoy, a liftingmember, a clutch for lifting member, a flexible transmission member, apulley, a lowering member, and a clutch for lowering member, wherein theflexible transmission member detours the pulley and hangs the liftingmember and the lowering member at the two sides of the pulleyrespectively, at the two sides of the buoy bracket is provided with theclutch for lifting member, by means of which the buoy bracket isconnected releasably to the lifting member, and the clutch for loweringmember, by means of which the buoy bracket is connected releasably tothe lifting member, and the lifting member connects the hanging energystorage component; and the power output shaft associated with the energystorage component, which is driven by the energy storage component whenthe energy storage component is falling.
 18. The tidal energy seawaterdesalination system according to claim 17, characterized in that theseawater evaporation tower is also configured with a heating device,which preheats the seawater entering into the seawater evaporationtower.
 19. The tidal energy seawater desalination system according toclaim 17, characterized in that the pulley is a ratchet wheel, the innerring of which is fixed on a transmission spindle, and the outer ring ofwhich is detoured by the flexible transmission member which drives theouter ring; the transmission direction of the ratchet wheel is along thefalling direction of the energy storage component; the energy storagecomponent during falling is capable of driving the ratchet wheel; thetransmission spindle is the power output shaft.
 20. The tidal energyseawater desalination system according to claim 17, characterized inthat the system unit has an offshore platform, on which is installedwith the buoy and the ratio lifting system; the lifting member connectsthe energy storage component via a flexible drawing member, whichextends to a position away from the offshore platform and at theposition detours a pulley to hang the energy storage component.
 21. Thetidal energy seawater desalination system according to claim 17,characterized in that the system unit has an offshore platform, on whichis installed with the buoy and the ratio lifting system; the liftingmember connects the energy storage component via a flexible drawingmember which extends to a position away from the offshore platform andat the position detours a ratchet wheel to hang the energy storagecomponent; the inner ring of the ratchet wheel is fixed on atransmission spindle, and the outer ring of the ratchet is detoured bythe flexible drawing member which drives the outer ring; thetransmission direction of the ratchet wheel is along the fallingdirection of the energy storage component; the energy storage componentduring falling is capable of driving the ratchet wheel; the transmissionspindle is the power output shaft.
 22. The tidal energy seawaterdesalination system according to claim 21, characterized in that theflexible drawing members of the energy storage components of a pluralityof system units detour the ratchet wheels which are provided on the sametransmission spindle.
 23. The tidal energy seawater desalination systemaccording to claim 20, characterized in that the flexible drawing memberextends away from the offshore platform to a position on the land, atwhich a pit is formed beneath the energy storage component.
 24. Thetidal energy seawater desalination system according to claim 21,characterized in that the flexible drawing member extends away from theoffshore platform to a position on the land, at which a pit is formedbeneath the energy storage component.
 25. A tidal energy seawaterdesalination system, characterized in that the system comprises a tidalenergy power device, a seawater evaporation tower and a steamcondensation tower, the seawater evaporation tower comprises a floatingbarrel and a stationary barrel; the floating barrel is capable of movingup and down relative to the stationary barrel, and between the floatingbarrel and the stationary barrel is sealed by sealing components; thefloating barrel connects with the power output member of the tidalenergy power device, such that the tidal power device is capable ofdrive the floating barrel to move relative to the stationary barrel toexpand the volume of the sealed space in the barrels to form a negativepressure to evaporate seawater in the barrels under the negativepressure; the bottom of the stationary barrel is used for receivingseawater, while the top thereof connects the steam condensation towervia pipelines; the steam condensation tower connects a fresh waterreceiver via pipelines; the tidal energy power device comprises at leastone system unit which comprises: a buoy having a empty cavity, acontrolled intake and drainage valve at the bottom thereof and acontrolled intake and exhaust valve at the top thereof; a ratio liftingsystem, comprising a buoy bracket connecting with the buoy, a liftingmember, a clutch for lifting member, a flexible transmission member, apulley, a lowering member, and a clutch for lowering member, in whichthe flexible transmission member detours the pulley and hangs thelifting member and the lowering member at the two sides of the pulleyrespectively, at the two sides of the buoy bracket is provided with theclutch for lifting member, by means of which the buoy bracket isconnected releasably to the lifting member, and the clutch for loweringmember, by means of which the buoy bracket is connected releasably tothe lifting member; and an offshore platform, on which is installed withthe buoy and the ratio lifting system, with the seawater evaporationtower and the steam condensation tower arranged on the land; a flexibledrawing member extends away from the offshore platform to a position onthe land, and at the position is guided by a pulley to hang the floatingbarrel.
 26. The tidal energy seawater desalination system according toclaim 25, characterized in that the seawater evaporation tower isconfigured with a heating device, which preheats the seawater enteringthe seawater evaporation tower so as to improve the evaporating speed ofthe seawater under negative pressure.
 27. The tidal energy seawaterdesalination system according to claim 25, characterized in that thepulley on the position on the land guiding the flexible drawing memberis a ratchet wheel, the inner ring of the ratchet wheel is fixed on thetransmission spindle, and the outer ring thereof is detoured by theflexible transmission member which drives the outer ring; thetransmission direction of the ratchet wheel is along the fallingdirection of the floating barrel; the floating barrel during falling iscapable of driving the ratchet wheel.
 28. A tidal energy seawaterdesalination and power generation system, characterized in that thesystem comprises the tidal energy seawater desalination system accordingto claim 17, and the tidal energy seawater desalination system furthercomprises a steam pressure tank and a steam turbine; the pipelineintroducing the steam into the steam condensation tower first connectsthe steam pressure tank such that the steam pressure tank receives andstores steam; the steam turbine connects the steam pressure tank viapipelines, so as to receive the steam output from it; the power outputshaft of the steam turbine connects generator sets, and in turn, thesteam turbine connects the steam condensation tower via pipelines.
 29. Atidal energy seawater desalination and power generation system,characterized in that the system comprises the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system according to claim 25, and the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system further comprises a steam pressure tank and a steamturbine; the pipeline introducing the steam into the steam condensationtower first connects the steam pressure tank such that the steampressure tank receives and stores steam; the steam turbine connects thesteam pressure tank via pipelines, so as to receive the steam outputfrom it; the power output shaft of the steam turbine connects generatorsets, and in turn, the steam turbine connects the steam condensationtower via pipelines.
 30. A three-dimensional energy integral utilizationsystem with tide energy, wind force and solar energy, characterized inthat the system comprises the tidal energy seawater desalination systemaccording to claim 21, and the tidal energy seawater desalination systemfurther comprises a steam pressure tank and a steam turbine; thepipeline introducing the steam into the steam condensation tower firstconnects the steam pressure tank such that the steam pressure tankreceives and stores steam; the steam turbine connects the steam pressuretank via pipelines, so as to receive the steam output from it; the poweroutput shaft of the steam turbine connects generator sets, and in turn,the steam turbine connects the steam condensation tower via pipelines;on the offshore platform is installed with a solar heater and a winddriven generator, and the solar heater connects with the seawaterevaporation tower via pipelines for heating the seawater flowing intothe seawater evaporation tower; the wind driven generator is in electricconnection with an electrical heating device of the tidal energyseawater desalination system.
 31. A three-dimensional energy integralutilization system with tide energy, wind force and solar energy,characterized in that the system comprises the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system according to claim 27, and the tidal energy seawaterdesalination system further comprises a steam pressure tank and a steamturbine; the pipeline introducing the steam into the steam condensationtower first connects the steam pressure tank such that the steampressure tank receives and stores steam; the steam turbine connects thesteam pressure tank via pipelines, so as to receive the steam outputfrom it; the power output shaft of the steam turbine connects generatorsets, and in turn, the steam turbine connects the steam condensationtower via pipelines; on the offshore platform is installed with a solarheater and a wind driven generator, and the solar heater connects withthe seawater evaporation tower via pipelines for heating the seawaterflowing into the seawater evaporation tower; the wind driven generatoris in electric connection with an electrical heating device of the tidalenergy seawater desalination system.
 32. The three-dimensional energyintegral utilization system with tide energy, wind force and solarenergy according to claim 30, characterized in that in the tidal energyseawater desalination system, the seawater evaporation tower isconfigured with an electrical heating device, and/or the steam pressuretank is configured with an electrical heating device.